Suturing apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A suturing apparatus comprises a pair of jaws. A bendable needle housed in one of the jaws is adapted to carry a suture. An optional suture receiver may be disposed adjacent to the opposite jaw. A transition block curves the needle and directs it in a direction generally unparallel to an axis of the carrying jaw. The needle may also be configured to retrieve a suture. A retaining mechanism holds a suture in place to be engaged by the needle. The jaw housing the needle may include a lateral opening through which the suture may be inserted. The needle may also include a lateral notch which may be aligned with lateral opening to receive the suture. An actuator coupled to the needle enables the user to move the needle proximally to align the notch with the lateral slot.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application relates to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/326,287 filed on Oct. 1, 2001 entitled “SUTURING APPARATUS AND METHOD” and U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/358,960 filed on Feb. 25, 2002, entitled “SUTURING APPARATUS WITH RETAINING MECHANISM,” the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention relates generally to suturing devices and methods.

[0004] 2. Description of Prior Art and Related Information

[0005] Suturing apparatus in the past have been required to have an elongate configuration and a low profile facilitating their use through cannulas in less invasive surgery. These devices have typically included opposing jaws which clamp on to the tissue to be sutured. Beyond this simple clamping motion, typically facilitated by scissor handles, the mechanism for threading a suture between the jaws and through the tissues have been exceedingly complex.

[0006] This complexity has derived primarily from the fact that the elongated, low profile configuration calls for an operating force that can be transmitted through an elongate tube. This force along the axis of the instrument must then be converted into a force extending generally perpendicular to the axis between the jaws. No simple structure has been devised to accommodate this transition. Furthermore, loading a suture onto a mechanism has also been complicated due to the complexity of the suturing mechanisms.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In accordance with the present invention, structures and associated methods are disclosed which address these needs and overcome the deficiencies of the prior art.

[0008] In one aspect, a suturing apparatus comprises a first jaw and a second jaw movable with respect to each other. A bendable needle is carried by the first jaw and adapted to carry a suture. The needle is movable between a first position wherein the needle is substantially housed within the jaw and a second position wherein a distal portion of the needle protrudes from the first jaw. The apparatus further comprises means for securing the suture in place prior to being carried by the bendable needle, and a suture receiver spaced apart from the first jaw and configured to disengage the suture carried by the bendable needle.

[0009] The securing means may comprise a cantilevered spring included in a distal portion of the first jaw, a groove defined in a distal portion of the first jaw, a flap, or an elastomeric pad. The first jaw defines an axis and further comprises a transition block adapted to guide the bendable needle in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis.

[0010] In another aspect, a suturing apparatus comprises a first jaw defining an ingress, a second jaw movable with respect to the first jaw, and a bendable needle carried by the first jaw and movable between a proximal position and a distal position. The needle defines a needle slot that may be aligned with the ingress to enable loading of a suture through the ingress into the needle slot.

[0011] The apparatus further comprises a suture receiver which may be disposed adjacent to the second jaw, or integral with the second jaw. The apparatus further comprises an actuator coupled to the bendable needle and configured for moving the bendable needle between the proximal position and the distal position. The actuator preferably comprises a thumb lever. The first jaw defines an axis and further comprises an axial slot in communication with the ingress. The ingress may comprise a lateral opening, and the needle slot may comprise a lateral slot.

[0012] A suture retrieving apparatus is also provided. The suture retrieving apparatus comprises a first jaw and a second jaw movable with respect to each other, a suture receiver spaced apart from the first jaw, the suture receiver being adapted to releasably retain a suture, and a bendable needle carried by the first jaw. The bendable needle is movable between a proximal position and a distal position. The bendable needle has a distal needle portion adapted to engage with the suture when the bendable needle is in the distal position. The distal needle portion comprises a hook. The second jaw may comprise the suture receiver.

[0013] A method is provided for suturing a tissue. The method comprises the steps of clamping a piece of tissue to be sutured, securing a suture in place for engagement with a bendable needle, engaging a suture with a bendable needle, carrying the suture toward a receiver with the bendable needle, retaining the suture with the receiver, and retracting the bendable needle to release the suture.

[0014] The step of clamping a tissue to be sutured comprises the step of capturing the piece of tissue with a first jaw and a second jaw. The method further comprises the step of advancing the bendable needle in an axial direction.

[0015] The step of carrying the suture toward a receiver with the bendable needle comprises the step of bending the bendable needle, and moving at least a portion of the bendable needle in a transverse direction.

[0016] A method is also provided for loading a suture onto a suturing apparatus. The method comprises the steps of housing a needle with a needle slot in a first jaw, biasing the needle in a distal direction with respect the first jaw so that the needle slot is not aligned with an ingress of the first jaw, aligning the needle slot with the ingress, disposing a suture through the ingress into the needle slot, and releasing the biased needle such that the needle engages the suture and carries the suture distally.

[0017] The step of aligning the needle slot with the ingress may comprise the step of moving the needle either proximally or distally. The step of moving the needle proximally comprises moving the needle proximally with a finger slide. The step of disposing a suture through the ingress into the needle slot comprises looping the suture about the ingress.

[0018] In summary, a suturing apparatus comprises a pair of jaws. A bendable needle housed in one of the jaws is adapted to carry a suture toward a suture receiver disposed adjacent to the opposite jaw. A transition block curves the needle and directs it in a direction generally not parallel to an axis of the carrying jaw. The needle may also be configured to retrieve a suture. A retaining mechanism holds a suture in place to be engaged by the needle. The jaw housing the needle may include a lateral opening through which the suture may be inserted. The needle may also include a lateral notch which may be aligned with lateral opening to receive the suture. An actuator coupled to the needle enables the user to move the needle proximally to align the notch with the lateral slot.

[0019] The invention, now having been briefly summarized, may be better visualized by turning to the following drawings wherein like elements are referenced by like numerals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020]FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a first preferred embodiment of a suturing apparatus according to the invention;

[0021]FIG. 2 is a close-up view of the first preferred suturing apparatus showing a bendable needle substantially housed within a lower jaw;

[0022]FIG. 3 is a close-up view of the first preferred suturing apparatus showing the bendable needle piercing a piece of tissue;

[0023]FIG. 4 is a close-up view of the first preferred suturing apparatus removed from the piece of tissue;

[0024]FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a jaw of the first preferred suturing apparatus housing the bendable needle;

[0025]FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the jaw of FIG. 5A showing the bendable needle advanced to a distal, piercing position;

[0026]FIG. 6 is a front end view of the first preferred suturing apparatus;

[0027]FIG. 7A is an operative view illustrating a preferred suture receiver intercepting the suture carried by the needle;

[0028]FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the preferred suture receiver of FIG. 7A retaining the suture after the needle is retracted;

[0029]FIG. 8A is an operative view of a further preferred suture receiver;

[0030]FIG. 8B is an operative of the preferred suture receiver of FIG. 8A retaining the suture after the needle is retracted;

[0031]FIG. 9 is a front end view of a second preferred embodiment of a suture apparatus comprising a suture retrieving device;

[0032]FIG. 10A is an operative view of the preferred suturing retrieving device of FIG. 9;

[0033]FIG. 10B is an operative view of the preferred suturing retrieving device showing a retrieving needle engaging a suture;

[0034]FIG. 10C is an operative view of the preferred suturing retrieving device showing the needle retrieving the suture;

[0035]FIG. 11 is a front end view of a third preferred suturing apparatus wherein a bendable needle is carried by an upper jaw;

[0036]FIG. 12 is a front end view of a fourth preferred suture retrieving apparatus wherein a bendable needle is carried by an upper jaw;

[0037]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a fifth preferred suturing apparatus including a securing mechanism;

[0038]FIG. 14 is a front end view of the fifth suturing apparatus;

[0039]FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of the fifth suturing apparatus;

[0040]FIG. 16 is a close-up, perspective view of a suturing jaw incorporating the securing mechanism;

[0041]FIG. 17 is a top plan view of a tip of the suturing jaw of FIG. 16;

[0042]FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a suturing jaw incorporating an alternative securing mechanism;

[0043]FIG. 19 is a close-up perspective of a suturing jaw incorporating a further alternative securing mechanism;

[0044]FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the suturing jaw of FIG. 19;

[0045]FIG. 21 is a partially removed side elevation view of a sixth preferred suturing apparatus;

[0046]FIG. 22 is a top plan view of a needle carrying jaw of the sixth preferred suturing apparatus;

[0047]FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the needle carrying jaw of FIG. 22 with a bendable needle shown overlaid for clarity;

[0048]FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the needle carrying jaw with the bendable needle shown overlaid in an aligned position;

[0049]FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a handle assembly for the sixth preferred suturing apparatus including a preferred needle actuator; and

[0050]FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the sixth preferred suturing apparatus being loaded with a suture;

[0051]FIG. 27 is perspective view of the sixth preferred suturing apparatus with the suture loaded;

[0052]FIG. 28 is an elevation view of a preferred bendable needle according to the invention;

[0053]FIG. 29 is a partially exploded, perspective view of a preferred suture receiving mechanism;

[0054]FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the preferred suture receiving mechanism of FIG. 29;

[0055]FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a jaw comprising a single barb; and

[0056]FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a jaw comprising a pair of barbs.

[0057] The invention and its various embodiments can now be better understood by turning to the following detailed description wherein illustrated embodiments are described. It is to be expressly understood that the illustrated embodiments are set forth as examples and not by way of limitations on the invention as ultimately defined in the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS AND BEST MODE OF INVENTION

[0058] A first preferred embodiment of a suturing apparatus is illustrated in FIG. 1 and designated generally by the reference numeral 10. The apparatus 10 is illustrated to have an elongate configuration with a proximal end 12 and a distal end 14. A handle assembly 16 is disposed at the proximal end 12 and includes scissor handles 18 and 21 as well as an actuator 23. A pair of opposing jaws 25 and 27 are disposed at the distal end and are coupled to the handle assembly 16 through an elongate shaft or tube 29. In one embodiment, the upper jaw 25 is pivotal with respect to the lower jaw 27 as illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment the lower jaw 27 includes a needle 32 of particular interest to the present invention. In this case, the needle 32 has a generally flat, narrow and elongate configuration. The needle 32 is bendable so that it can be moved generally with an axial force and can be bent on a curve, for example, 90° to move generally perpendicular to the axis and toward the opposing upper jaw 25. It is to be expressly understood that the needle 32 can be bent at any angle and advanced in any direction away from the axis. The actuator 23, which preferably comprises a thumb rocker or slide, is coupled to the needle 32. The actuator 23 enables a user to advance the needle 32 distally to a protruding, operative position and proximally to a retracted, inoperative position.

[0060] Threading this needle 32 with a suture 34 enables the needle to be deployed through the tissue and to carry with it the suture 34 to be threaded. The opposing jaw 25 may include an optional receiver which is adapted to remove the suture from the needle 32 as the needle 32 is withdrawn back into the lower jaw 27. At this point, the suture extends through the tissue and into the upper jaw. Removal of the jaws from the tissue, as illustrated in FIG. 4 permits withdrawal of the apparatus 10 leaving the suture in place for tying or further manipulation. A suture receiver is optional since the tissue itself may frequently serve as a receiver for the suture once the needle is retracted.

[0061] In this embodiment, the lower jaw is illustrated in FIG. 5A to include an elongate configuration and a channel 36 adapted to receive the needle 32. The needle is bent at the distal end of this jaw 27 and up through a transition block 38 which aides in curving the needle 32 and directing it toward a suture receiver. Though the illustrated embodiment shows the transition block 38 curving the needle 32 perpendicularly with respect to the axis of the lower jaw 27, the transition block 38 may be configured to curve and direct the needle 32 at any particular angle or direction that is generally unparallel to the axis of the lower jaw 27. FIG. 5A shows the needle retracted and FIG. 5B shows the needle 32 deployed and provided with a slot 40 to carry the suture 34 to the opposing jaw 25. This configuration is further illustrated in the radial cross-section view of FIG. 6.

[0062] In the upper jaw 25, a suture receiver 41 is provided to remove the suture 34 from the needle 32. A metal or elastomeric flap, or paddle, 43 is provided to engage the needle 32 and threaded suture 34 as illustrated in FIG. 7A. This flap 43 forces the suture 34 from the needle slot 40 as the needle 32 is withdrawn as illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0063] In a similar embodiment, the needle 32 and threaded suture 34 is forced through an elastomeric pad 45 which similar engages the suture 34 and removes it from the needle slot 40 as the needle 32 is withdrawn as illustrated in FIG. 8B.

[0064] A second preferred embodiment of a suturing apparatus is illustrated in FIG. 9 which is a cross-section view similar to FIG. 6, but showing a needle 32 which functions as a retriever rather than a carrier. In this embodiment, the suture 34 is initially carried by the upper jaw 25. A needle slot 42 in this case extends distally from the side of the needle 32. When this needle 32 and slot 42 are extended, as illustrated in FIG. 10A, the slot 42 engages the suture 34 in the upper jaw 25. As the needle 32 is withdrawn, the suture is retrieved in the needle slot 42 and carried back through the tissue. The final step in this process is the same as previously discussed with reference to FIG. 4.

[0065] It will be apparent that this apparatus 10 could also operate with the needle 32 carried by the upper jaw 25. Such a feature is shown in a third preferred embodiment illustrated in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 11 where the needle 32 functions as a suture carrier. In particular, a suture slot 40 defined in the needle 32 comprises an opening 50 that is located distally to an end 52 such that the slot 40 faces the receiver, or lower jaw 27. A suture 34 is thus carried by the needle 32 toward the opposing, lower jaw 27.

[0066] In FIG. 12, a fourth preferred embodiment of a suturing apparatus comprises a suture retrieving device wherein the needle 32 is carried by the upper jaw 25. In this case, the needle 32 functions as a retriever of the suture 34. The needle 32 defines a slot 42 with an opening 54 that is located proximally to an end 56 such that the slot 42 faces away from the opposing, lower jaw 27. In the illustrated embodiment, a distal portion of the needle 32 is thus preferably shaped as a hook.

[0067] A fifth preferred embodiment of a suturing apparatus is illustrated in FIG. 13 and designated generally by the reference numeral 110. In FIGS. 13-15, the apparatus 110 includes an elongate configuration with a proximal end 112 and a distal end 114. A handle assembly (not shown) is disposed at the proximal end 112 and may include scissor handles which are operatively coupled to a pair of opposing suturing jaws 116 and 118 at the distal end 114. An elongate shaft or tube 121 couples the jaws 116, 118 to the handle assembly. In one embodiment, the upper jaw 116 is pivotal with respect to the lower jaw 118 as illustrated in FIGS. 13-15.

[0068] In the illustrated embodiment, the lower jaw 118 includes a retaining mechanism 123 of particular interest to the present invention. The apparatus 110 may include a handle assembly, a bendable needle 125 housed in one of the jaws 116, 118, and a suture receiver included in the other of the jaws 116, 118 as described above. Since the retaining mechanism 123 serves to securely hold a suture 127 while easily permitting its release when engaged by the needle 125, the mechanism 123 is preferably included in the jaw that houses the needle 125. For example, if the needle 125 is housed in the upper jaw 116, then the retaining mechanism 123 would also be included in the upper jaw 116.

[0069] A first preferred securing mechanism 123 comprises a spring 129 formed at a distal tip 132 of the jaw 118. The spring 129 includes a cantilever portion 134 bent back on itself. A wedge, or groove,136 is defined between the cantilever portion 134 and an opposite wall 138 as shown more clearly in FIGS. 16 and 17. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 13-16, the securing mechanism 123 is formed integrally with the jaw 118. To assemble the suture 127, a first end 141 is held beneath the jaw 118 and the other end 143 above the jaw 118. The ends 141, 143 may be pulled in a proximal direction such that the suture 127 is wedged into the groove 136. When disposed in the groove 136, the cantilever portion 134 biases the suture 127 against the opposite wall 138, thus pinching the suture 127 securely in place for engagement by the needle 125.

[0070] The biasing force of the spring 129 is configured such that the suture 127 is both held securely absent engagement by the needle 125, and yet is permitted to be easily released upon engagement. It is to be expressly understood, therefore, that the spring 129 may comprise a variety of mechanisms capable of abutting, or pinching, the suture 127 against an opposing surface while permitting its release upon engagement with a needle. The groove 136 is preferably aligned with or disposed adjacent to a needle exit port 145 such that when the ends 141, 143 are tugged proximally, a portion 147 of the suture 127 lies along the path of the transversely extending needle 125.

[0071] In FIG. 18, a second preferred retaining mechanism 123 a may include a spring mechanism 129 a formed separately from the jaw 118 a. The spring mechanism 129 a includes an anchor 149 configured to fit within a slot 152 defined in the jaw 118 a.

[0072] In FIGS. 19 and 20, a third preferred retaining mechanism 123 b comprises a zigzag groove 154 that becomes increasingly narrow as it extends proximally. The zigzag pattern in combination with the proximal tapering facilitates a tight fit when the suture 127 is drawn proximally. In particular, the proximally tapered configuration of the groove 154 pinches the suture in place as it drawn proximally while the zigzag pattern prevents the suture 127 from being distally disengaged from the jaw 118 b.

[0073] A sixth embodiment of a suturing apparatus is shown in FIGS. 21-27 and designated generally by the reference numeral 210. The apparatus 210 comprises a first jaw 220 and a second jaw 222 that are pivotal with respect to each other. In FIGS. 21-23, the first jaw 220 is configured to house a bendable needle 224. This needle carrying jaw 220 may comprise either the lower or upper jaw of the apparatus 210. The bendable needle 224 is substantially disposed in a channel 226 within the first jaw 220 when the needle 224 is in a non-operative, or non-piercing, position.

[0074] In FIG. 22, the first jaw 220 defines an opening, or ingress 228, that is in communication with an axial slot 231. The ingress 228 is preferably provided with a relatively wide mouth 233 is open to one of the sides of the first jaw 220. This preferably lateral ingress 228 tapers as it approaches the axial slot 231.

[0075] In FIG. 23, the needle 224 of particular interest to the invention is shown out of position, overlaying the first jaw 220 for clarity. When assembled, the needle 224 would reside in the channel 226 as discussed above. The needle 224 comprises a lateral slot, or notch 235. An edge defining the notch 235 is preferably radiused, or smoothed, such it would not cut a suture. The needle 224 comprises a distal crescent portion 237 and an adjacent proximal crescent portion 239. The crescent portions 237, 239 collectively provide flexibility spread out over a greater length of the needle 224 such that all stresses do not collect at the notch 235 when the needle 224 is bent. The notch 235 is preferably disposed between the crescent portions 237, 239.

[0076] In a rest state, the needle 224 may be biased to any rest position with respect to the ingress 228. For example, the rest position may comprise the notch 235 being disposed distally to the ingress 228, as shown in FIG. 23, or proximally to the ingress 228. To load a suture, the needle 224 is moved to a loading position whereby the notch 235 is aligned with the ingress 228 as shown in FIG. 24. If the needle 224 is biased such that the notch 235 is distal to the ingress 228, alignment is reached by moving the needle 224 in a proximal direction with respect to the first jaw 220. Accordingly, if the needle 224 were biased such that the notch 235 is proximal to the ingress 228, alignment is reached by moving the needle 224 in a distal direction with respect to the first jaw 220. FIG. 25 illustrates a preferred handle assembly 243 of the suturing apparatus 210. In FIG. 25, a manually operable actuator 244 is coupled to the needle to enable movement, both proximally and distally, thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 244 preferably comprises a thumb lever, or rocker, that may be cocked backward by a user's thumb, thereby moving the needle proximally to align the notch with the ingress, and moved forward, thereby advancing the needle distally.

[0077]FIG. 26 illustrates a suture 246 being loaded onto the apparatus 210. The suture 246 is formed into a loop and threaded into the ingress 228. With the suture 246 held slightly taut across the first jaw 220, the suture 246 has entered the ingress 228 and is now disposed in the notch of the needle. The finger slide, shown in FIG. 25, may now be released, thereby distally biasing the needle with the captured suture 246 to the resting position as shown in FIG. 27. It will be appreciated that the axial slot 231 of the first jaw 220 allows the captured suture 246 to travel freely as it is carried by the needle 224.

[0078] A transition block 248 is provided at a distal portion of the first jaw 220 and may be integral with or separate from the jaw 220. The transition block 248 may be adapted to curve the needle and direct it at any desired angle, shown in the illustrated embodiment as generally perpendicular to the axis of the first jaw 220.

[0079] In FIGS. 26 and 27, the second jaw 222 comprises a distal hook 251 that defines an aperture 253 with a side opening 255. When the jaws 220, 222 are clamped on a piece of tissue, the aperture 253 is configured to enable the needle to pass through after piercing the tissue. As the needle 224 is retracted the tissue acts as a suture receiver by holding on to the suture 246 while the needle 224 is withdrawn. This leaves a loop or free line of suture 246 on the side of the tissue in contact with the jaw 222. The hook 251 can then be placed in the loop and pulled. Alternatively, the two jaws 220, 222 can be grasped on the free line of suture and pulled through the tissue. In FIG. 25, a stationary finger support 257 serves as a counterforce plate for the actuator 244.

[0080] In FIG. 28, the preferred bendable needle 224 comprises a distal portion that facilitates a smooth piercing of tissue by preventing the tissue from being snagged or caught by any part of the needle 224. The needle 224 comprises a notch side 259 and an opposite, crescent side 262. In particular, the needle 224 comprises a straight, notch-side edge 264 located proximally to the notch 235. The needle 224 also defines a needle axis “A” that extends generally parallel to the notch-side edge 259.

[0081] As the needle 224 pierces a tissue, the tissue will travel along a notch-side ramp 266 that leads to a distal ledge 268 disposed distally of the notch 235. It will be appreciated that the distal ledge 268 is spaced a transverse distance “B” from the axis “A” while a proximal ledge 271 is spaced a transverse distance “C” from the axis “A.” In the preferred embodiment, distance “B” is greater than distance “C” such that the distal ledge 268 pushes the pierced tissue outward to thereby avoid getting caught in the notch 235. As the tissue travels over the notch 235, a generally rounded bump 273 prevents any tissue from getting snagged.

[0082] On the opposite, crescent side 262, the crescents 237, 239 distribute the stresses more evenly across the needle 224 when the needle 224 is bent, such that the stresses are minimized near the notch 235. The opening to the notch 235 is directed distally such that the suture is forced into the needle during deployment through the tissue and so that the suture releases easily as the needle is retracted.

[0083] A further preferred embodiment of a suture receiver 280 is illustrated in FIGS. 29 and 30. The receiver 280 may, for example, be carried by a jaw opposite to the jaw housing a needle. The suture receiver 280 comprises a pair of flaps, or paddles, 282 disposed in a receiver housing 284. The paddles 282 are preferably configured to abut one another at a pinch point 286, as shown in FIG. 30, to permit a needle to travel therebetween while retaining a carried suture when the needle is retracted. As discussed above, employment of a suture receiver is optional as the pierced tissue itself may often times serve as a suture receiver. In particular, after a needle carrying a suture has pierced the piece of tissue, the pierced tissue often times sufficiently retains the suture in the form of a loop as the needle is retracted.

[0084] In FIG. 31, a first preferred embodiment of a hook, or barb 291, is formed at the distal end of a jaw, preferably the second jaw opposite to the first jaw housing the bendable needle. The barb 291 is configured to hook a looped suture that is retained, for example, by the tissue itself after the bendable has been retracted. In FIG. 32, a distal end of a jaw may alternatively be formed with a pair of barbs 293.

[0085] In all embodiments, it is to be expressly understood that a disposable needle may be employed. It will be appreciated, therefore, that a system or kit is provided wherein the suturing apparatus (excluding the needle) may be re-used while the disposable needles are replaced.

[0086] Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of examples and that they should not be taken as limiting the invention as defined by the following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the invention includes other combinations of fewer, more or different ones of the disclosed elements.

[0087] The words used in this specification to describe the invention and its various embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification the generic structure, material or acts of which they represent a single species.

[0088] The definitions of the words or elements of the following claims are, therefore, defined in this specification to not only include the combination of elements which are literally set forth. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0089] Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.

[0090] The claims are thus to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptionally equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also what incorporates the essential idea of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A suturing apparatus, comprising: a first jaw and a second jaw movable with respect to each other; a bendable needle carried by the first jaw and adapted to carry a suture, the needle being movable between a first position wherein the needle is substantially housed within the jaw and a second position wherein a distal portion of the needle protrudes from the first jaw; and means for securing the suture in place prior to being carried by the bendable needle.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the securing means comprises a cantilevered spring included in a distal portion of the first jaw.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the securing means comprises a groove defined in a distal portion of the first jaw.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a suture receiver spaced apart from the first jaw and configured to disengage the suture carried by the bendable needle.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the suture receiver comprises at least one flap.
 6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the suture receiver comprises an elastomeric pad.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first jaw defines an axis and further comprises a transition block adapted to guide the bendable needle in a direction generally unparallel to the axis.
 8. A suturing apparatus, comprising: a first jaw defining an ingress; a second jaw movable with respect to the first jaw; a bendable needle carried by the first jaw and movable between a proximal position and a distal position, the needle defining a needle slot that may be aligned with the ingress to enable loading of a suture through the ingress into the needle slot.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a suture receiver disposed adjacent to the second jaw.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the second jaw further comprises a an integral suture receiver.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising an actuator coupled to the bendable needle and configured for moving the bendable needle between the proximal position and the distal position.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the actuator comprises a thumb lever.
 13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first jaw defines an axis and further comprises an axial slot in communication with the ingress.
 14. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein: the ingress comprises a lateral opening; and the needle slot comprises a lateral slot.
 15. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the second jaw comprises at least one hook.
 16. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein: the needle slot is disposed on a first side of the bendable needle; and the bendable needle further comprises a second side opposite to the first side.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the bendable needle further comprises at least one crescent formed on the second side.
 18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein: the bendable needle defines a needle axis that extends generally parallel to the first side; the bendable needle comprises a distal ledge disposed on the first side distally of the notch and a proximal ledge disposed on the first side proximally of the notch; and the distal ledge defines a first transverse distance from the needle axis that is greater than a second transverse distance from the needle axis defined by the proximal ledge.
 19. A suture retrieving apparatus, comprising: a first jaw and a second jaw movable with respect to each other; a suture receiver spaced apart from the first jaw, the suture receiver being adapted to releasably retain a suture; and a bendable needle carried by the first jaw, the bendable needle movable between a proximal position and a distal position, the bendable needle having a distal needle portion adapted to engage the suture when the bendable needle is in the distal position.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the second jaw comprises the suture receiver.
 21. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the distal needle portion comprises a hook.
 22. A method for suturing a piece of tissue, comprising the steps of: securing a suture in place for engagement with a bendable needle; clamping a piece of tissue to be sutured; engaging a suture with a bendable needle; carrying the suture through the piece of tissue with the bendable needle; and retracting the bendable needle to release the suture.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the step of clamping a tissue to be sutured comprises the step of: capturing the piece of tissue with a first jaw and a second jaw.
 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising the step of advancing the bendable needle in an axial direction.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the step of carrying the suture through the piece of tissue with the bendable needle comprises the step of: bending the bendable needle; and moving at least a portion of the bendable needle in a direction generally unparallel to the axial direction.
 26. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of: retaining the suture with the piece of tissue during the step of retracting the bendable needle to release the suture.
 27. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of: retaining the suture with a suture receiver during the step of retracting the bendable needle to release the suture.
 28. The method of claim 22, wherein the step of engaging a suture with a bendable needle comprises the step of disposing the suture in a notch formed in the bendable needle, the method further comprising: shaping a distal portion of the bendable needle to prevent the pierced tissue from getting snagged in the notch.
 29. A method for loading a suture onto a suturing apparatus, comprising the steps of: housing a needle with a needle slot in a first jaw; biasing the needle to a position with respect to the first jaw so that the needle slot is not aligned with an ingress of the first jaw; aligning the needle slot with the ingress; disposing a suture through the ingress into the needle slot; and releasing the biased needle such that the needle engages the suture.
 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the step of aligning the needle slot with the ingress comprises the step of moving the needle proximally.
 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the step of moving the needle proximally comprises moving the needle proximally with a finger slide.
 32. The method of claim 29, wherein the step of disposing a suture through the ingress into the needle slot comprises looping the suture about the ingress.
 33. The method of claim 29, wherein the step of aligning the needle slot with the ingress comprises the step of moving the needle distally. 